Prediction of cogging torque level in PM motors due to assembly tolerances in mass‐production

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to estimate the sensitivity of cogging torque in permanent magnet (PM) motor designs due to PM assembly tolerance and/or PM imperfections and to evaluate how such faults can be reliably detected in simulated and measured cogging torque signals.Design/methodology/approach – PM motors exhibit inherent cogging torque, which creates torque ripple and prevents smooth rotation of the rotor, resulting in undesirable vibration and noise. While cogging torque minimization is necessary to improve PM motor performance, several FEM models have been developed to study and present data demonstrating the sensitivity of cogging torque to PM assemblies and/or PM imperfections. Some procedures that would predict and evaluate cogging torque components relative to measured PM positions on assembled PM motors were proposed.Findings – On the basis of numerous performed simulations using different FEM models and experimental results on rotors from mass‐production, it was found and proved t...